Portugal is a European nation with a rich cultural history located along the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s land mass includes over a thousand miles of coast and is roughly the size of Virginia. The history of its people dates back over a thousand years and has had a global influence, reflected in the fact that today there are over 250 million Portuguese speakers in the world while the country of Portugal has only about 10 million people.
Global Builders teams work in and around Braga, an ancient city of about 200,000 residents that today is renowned for its architecture and advanced industry. Though a well developed area, some are left behind and needs remain, such as overcrowding, houses without sanitation and drinking water, electrical issues, and poorly insulated homes.
Homes include simple yet modern kitchens, and bathrooms that provide sanitation and access for those who may lack mobility, now or in the future. Other important elements — often made available to these families for the firsttime in their lives — are hot water, finished floors, and gas stoves and heating.
Portuguese volunteers actively support the efforts, but international volunteers still play an important role in advancing their efforts. Teams will partner in the renovation of an old carpentry workshop into a multi-home building with 6 condos. A mix of Portuguese families and families seeking refuge in Portugal from Cameroon and the Congo will own these condos.
If you have a heart for combining service, traveling and experiencing new cultures than this trip is for you! You get to experience the joy of giving a family a light of hope by providing them with a home and helping them take a step towards a better life!
Learn more at fullercenter.org/portugal
